Especially in the wake of the epidemic, this dramatic increase emphasizes the notable increase of tourism in the area and shows the success of Saudi Arabia 's initiatives, to strengthen its travel industry.

With housing expenses accounting for around SR38.54 billion, or 34.57% of total tourism expenditure, Makkah's breakdown of tourist expenditure reveals that these were the biggest contribution, Given the importance of the city as a religious and pilgrimage site, this highlights the vital position the hotel sector performs in the tourism economy of the Makkah region. Usually reflecting the great demand for hotel stays, housing, and other connected services, expenditure on accommodation is the biggest one made by visitors.

After accommodation, spending classed as "other" ranked second, at SR22.27 billion. This category could cover a broad spectrum of expenditure, including local services, odd items, and other non-specific travel-related costs, With a value of SR18.03 billion, shopping accounted for 16.17% of all travel expenses, This captures the popularity of Makkah shopping, where guests frequently buy expensive things, sacred relics, and mementos.

With SR16.67 billion, or 14.95% of the whole, transportation expenditure constituted yet another important factor, This implies that major components of the whole tourist experience include transportation expenses, including local services, taxis, transit to and from Makkah, and With SR13.57 billion, food and beverages accounted for 12.17% of total expenditure and reflected the significance of dining and hospitality services to visitors in the area. With SR2.41 billion, entertainment spending was the smallest category and just 2.16% of all visitor expenditure. Although this falls short of other groups, it emphasizes nevertheless the importance of leisure and cultural activities in the whole tourism scene.

More broadly, the travel industry in Saudi Arabia has grown somewhat rapidly. Rising to 12th place globally in 2023 from 2019, the nation improved 15 places in the global rankings for foreign travel expenditure, This boom emphasizes Saudi Arabia's achievements in developing its tourism industry, including efforts to promote the nation a worldwide travel destination, support of cultural heritage sites, and development of entertainment choices, This rise in expenditure is unmistakably evidence of the nation's increasing attractiveness to foreign visitors.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia leads the G20 in terms of the volume of foreign visitors, The kingdom's increasing importance as a travel destination is shown by a 73% rise in foreign tourists over past years. Based on statistics comparing the same time in 2019 to January to July 2024, the nation also saw an amazing 207% increase in foreign tourism income, This development is a reflection of the growing tourism infrastructure and projects that have made the kingdom a progressively appealing place.

Saudi Arabia will have 109.3 million local and foreign visitors total in 2023. Of these, almost 25% were incoming visitors—that is, 27.4 million people—who spent a total of SR141 billion in numerous tourist-related enterprises, therefore highlighting the significance of tourism as a main economic engine for the country, From retail and hospitality to transportation and entertainment, the rise in tourism expenditure not only boosts the economy but also creates employment and stimulates many other businesses.

Saudi Arabia: Makkah region inbound tourism spending surpasses SR111 billion

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